We had a very successful day at this year’s Chili Cook-off at Lake Sumter Landing. Our white bean chicken chili was a rarity among the offerings and loudly praised by many. We again used Tracy Belton’s recipe, with some modifications by our executive chef, Sally Hayduck.
We were positioned between two of the long-time participants, Citizens Bank and the Villages Construction.
We have to thank lots of people. First are Tracy for her recipe and advice and Sally for her advice and game day efforts. For setup and break-down, Andy Couckuyt, Larry Newman, Tony Kamus, Bill Tanner, Tony DeNicola and Bob Domini were present early. Larry and Tony worked all day.
Next were our early cook crew, Deidre Burke, Lu Ford, Linda McMahon, Tony Kamus and Bob Hayduk. Diane DeNicola made a couple guests appearances though she was part of the cooking team in a neighboring booth. There were scores of cans opened, 20 pounds of chickens being diced and equipment to assemble. Bob Domini brought massive cutting boards and super sharp knives that made cutting unbelievably easy. Those chicken pieces had no chance whatever.
As we got closer to the noon start of chili serving, reinforcements arrived. Roger Bradley, Joyce Jackson, Bob Lowell, Bob Agnew, Bob Gersh, Charlie Couckuyt and Lyn Savidge came at varying times in the morning and afternoon. Visiting Rotarians from Mass, Darlene and Barry Kirshon (snowbirds coming to our club regularly) showed up. Evening Club Rotarians Betsy and Bill Kmiecik plus Pat Cronenberg arrived late morning and helped in various ways. Bob Lowell probably served several hundred cups by himself. He was a serving fool!! Bob Agnew pitched Rotary and our club to throngs of attendees in our waiting line. He’s hopeful that we might see a person or two at a lunch in the future.












